Object ConditionThe two pieces of ivory glued along the length of the panels are original and would have been intended to correct the natural curve of the panels.
Hole in each of the upper central gables for the attachment of separately-carved finials.
Outer turret on the left broke off and was reattached.

CommentsThe diptych reads in boustrophedon manner, starting from the lower left corner to the upper right corner.
'The outer margins of the carved faces of both leaves bear a number of marks indicating where elements of the framing and architecture were to be placed.' (see Williamson and Davies 2014 for more details).

ProvenanceSaid to have come from the abbey of Saint-Jean-des-Vignes at Soissons during the French Revolution (see Darcel 1861); also said to have come from the treasury of the Cathedral of Soissons (London 1862). In the possession of John Webb (b. 1799, d. 1880), London: purchased from him by the Museum in 1865.

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